Thomas ARMSTRONG from Fermanagh Ireland

[KMurray]

I would love to find more information on the family of my grandfather's uncle, Thomas Armstrong.

From the information I have he was born in Ireland in 1836 or 1837 and went to Australia around 1855, possbily married and with his wife.  He was still alive in 1898 and living in southern NSW or Victoria. We have a reference in a diary to  Bombala and Cooma as possible jump off via train to his home.

His parents were William Armstrong and Katherine Blakely.  His father died in Ireland, but his mother died in NSW.

Any direction, suggestions or clues would be truly appreciated.

Kathy

[krisesjoint]

Hi Kathy,

Here is Thomas's arrival.

Thomas arrived in Sydney on the KATE 4 Dec 1855

ARMSTRONG Thomas aged 19. He was single, a Farm Lab from Derravullen Fermanagh. His parents were William and Cath (father dead - mother living in Derravullen.)
Religion CE.
He could read and write.
Relative in the Colony - Sister Jane ARMSTRONG - Pitt St Sydney
State of bodily health, strength and probable usefulness - Good
Is to pay Mr Black £12
£1 Land and Deposit- Mr Black - Kiama

Cheers Kris 

[krisesjoint]

And here is his mothers arrival

She arrived in Sydney on the 20 Sep 1859 aboard the ABYSSYNIAN

ARMSTRONG Catherine 48. She was listed as a Housekeeper from Lowthurstown Fermanagh. Parents Thomas and Jane BLAKELY - dead
Religion CI
She could read
Relative in the Colony -
"Thomas ARMSTRONG - Son
Jane ARMSTRONG - Daughter
not now in Sydney
Thomas, Rebecca _ BLAKELY
nephew _ Sydney"
She could Read
State of bodily health, strength and probable usefulness - Feeble

ARMSTRONG William 27, He was a Farm Lab from " - Father dead mother arrived
Religion "
He could read and write
Relatives in the Colony "As Above"
State of bodily health, strength and probable usefulness - Good

Cheers Kris 

[KMurray]

Kris

God bless you! and so prompt with the information! Is there away to find out more about the adult Thomas, his wife, children, death and where he lived?

What you have given me is a huge help though.  My great grandfather was the William age 27.  He died in 1882 and a good deal of connection and information was lost because he was so young.

You have made my day.

Kathy

[tropicalj]

Hello  there Kathy

http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/familyHistory/search.htm

you can search  the NSW  birth death and marriages on line

there is a marriage in 1858 for Thomas Armstrong  to Jane Gray  at Kiama

this couple appears to have had 15 children including two sets of twins. 

I  have not detailed  them for you  because I  thought you might like to search  foryourself  (  including one child with the unusual name of Mortimer Johnston Armstrong) 

if  not  just ask  and I  will post  them  up.

Bear in mind this  in  just an assumption based on  the area  we know he went to,  and only a certificate will confirm it

Jenn

[tropicalj]

http://cemindex.arkangles.com/inscription.php?id=3272535

Maybe this is his grave? young son   and his  wife Jane

Jenn

[KMurray]

Thanks Jenn for your help and suggestion. I was hopeful with the Jane Grey direction until I realized that he died in 1882.  My Thomas died after 1898 and though he may have started in Kiama, he definitely relocated south later in his life.  I believe he had a daughter Mary.  I will take a look at a marriage to Jane Rolston in Kiama.

But now Jane Armstrong (sister of Thomas) opens a larger mystery.  All that we have known of the family has come from Catherine's death certificate in 1868. She had daughters Isabella (b. 1820), Mary (b. 1822) and Catherine (b. 1825) and a reference to a deceased daughter and son.
Jane was obviously the deceased daughter.

I was surprised that Jane went to Australia before 1855 and her brothers or mother.  Now I need to find when she arrived and if she did so in a penal group, the womens bounty or something else. With the gaps I would assume Jane was born between 1825 and 1834.

I will look for death and marriage information, but if someone could direct me to her arrival and/or the best source I would appreciate it.

You have all been marvelous!

Kathy

[tropicalj]

My Thomas died after 1898 and though he may have started in Kiama, he definitely relocated south later in his life.  I believe he had a daughter Mary.

Can I  ask  how you  know  he  died after 1898?

There are a large number of resources at  the start of  the Australia  threads have a browse through them  to see if  anything can help  you,  meanwhile I  will take a look around for Jane Armstrong.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,369703.0.html
Jenn

[krisesjoint]

Sorry Kathy,

I have had no joy with Jane's arrival. I did look yesterday when I found the others, and have been over it again this morning. I see no-one likely listed.  I presume she arrived unwed as she is mentioned as Jane ARMSTRONG. Be sure to take a look at the NSW resources (very comprehensive list of free resources we have compiled and listed by State on our Resources Board.)

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,369703.0.html

Cheers Kris